August 8 -11 Illinois River

Grafton Marina was a 3 day stay. Unusual for us.

We arrived late afternoon with major currents in the entire marina.

The next day our friends from Titusville , Florida, Bill and Ann came to visit. In the late 60's we spent 3 years raising our families together. Every Wednesday we went to Fox Lake for a picnic. At the time, they had 5 children and we had 2. Now they have 8 children and 20 grandchildren. Mark their son, drove them 90 miles to see us. We did not realize they were that far away and felt really special they made the trip.

Ready or not, Sally found a groomer in the next town, Jerseyville, The owners of Grayton Marina and Winery loaned us their truck to make the short trip. Found it to be a half hour drive through corn fields.

Cutter had not been groomed since we left Jacksonville April 25th. His name had been changed to "Wooley Bear" People asked what kind of dog he was and the response was --overfed, under groomed Cocker Spaniel. While Cutter was being groomed, we passed a Great Clips and decided to get our hair cuts.

Something is wrong here $40.00 for Cutter and $15.00 for each of us.

Back at the marina swimming pool, we met the group traveling to St. Louis. They insisted we not stop at the Arch. The barge was a nightmare, heavy currents and a work barge that allowed you to tie up.

We took their advice and decided to tour St. Louis from the River.

Surprise, another lock

The top left of this picture is the tugboat that " locked through" with us.

Sharing is so special.